Date

5-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Glenn Stone

Keywords

relational discipleship, lay leadership, transformational leadership, servant leadership, leadership development, small groups, church revitalization, spiritual formation, urban church, Great Commission.

Disciplines

Christianity

Abstract

This thesis project examines how empowering lay leaders for relational discipleship can revitalize member engagement and spiritual formation at Christian Stronghold Church, an evangelical, multi-generational congregation in West Philadelphia experiencing declining participation and stagnating discipleship models. The ministry context includes significant demographic diversity, leadership transitions, shifts in discipleship structures, and the lingering effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, all of which have weakened historical patterns of evangelism, Bible study involvement, and leader development. The purpose of this study is to design, implement, and evaluate a relational, leader led discipleship intervention that strengthens lay leaders’ capacity to disciple members, deepens member engagement, and supports long term spiritual growth in alignment with the church’s mission and the Great Commission. Grounded in biblical and theological foundations for discipleship and leadership, as well as literature on transformational and servant leadership, the project employs a mixed methods ministry research design that includes a structured “Lead Like Jesus” training process, coaching and accountability for selected lay leaders, and intentional engagement with ministry members. Data from surveys, focus groups, and ministry participation measures are collected and analyzed to assess changes in leader confidence and practices, member connection and engagement, and the overall health of the church’s discipleship culture. The project concludes with practical implications, ministry applications, and recommendations for sustaining relational discipleship and developing future lay leaders in the local church context.

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